The upward trajectory the New York Liberty – the WNBA’s flagship franchise – has been on since being purchased by Clara Wu Tsai and her husband Joe has been well-documented.
On the court, that upward trajectory was rewarded last year as the Liberty became WNBA champions for the first time in the franchise’s 29-year history. Off the court, the Liberty are now valued at around $450 million and the team’s brand has never been more visible across the Tri-State area.
The success of last year has translated into more success this season as New York is one of only two teams still undefeated at 8-0. The Minnesota Lynx are the other at 9-0 even though we have to wait until two weeks following All-Star weekend to watch our first Lynx vs. Lib Finals rematch.
Regardless of what the assignment is, the Liberty understand said assignment – and that applies off the court as well.
It was not that long ago when the Liberty were in Washington to face off against the Mystics in a Commissioner’s Cup contest. The game was actually competitive – sans a second quarter where New York outscored the ‘Stics by a margin of 32-12. The Liberty won by a final score of 86-78 to preserve its undefeated season.
Typically, teams that visit Washington following a championship season are treated to a visit at the White House. One would think given who the current occupants of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue are that said address would be persona non grata across the board in sports, but that has not stopped male sports teams from selling their souls for a presidential photo-op.
The Philadelphia Eagles did so after they defeated the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl – even though quarterback Jalen Hurts (married to a Black woman, by the way) understood the assignment and wanted no parts.
The Florida Panthers did so after its Stanley Cup victory from last year, but that should be no surprise given the lack of diversity in the NHL not to mention how antagonistic hockey fans have been towards the LGBTQIA+ community. So much for “Hockey Is For Everyone.”
The Los Angeles Dodgers did so following its World Series victory last year over the New York Yankees. The Dodgers giving legitimacy to the creatures at 1600 was especially galling given it occurred against the backdrop of Jackie Robinson – an American hero who wore the Dodgers uniform – being scrubbed off the Department of Defense’s website and it being reduced to “DEI Sports.”
Robinson’s page was restored following palpable backlash – including from the sports community on social media. Also, the Dodgers are a team with a massive Latino/Latina fanbase. And even though many Hispanics voted for the mess we are dealing with today, has anyone been following the news out of Los Angeles recently?
The Dodgers had no problem spitting in the face of those Hispanic fans, but they will gladly rake in Latino/Latina dinero at Chavez Ravine’s turnstiles every Dodger Stadium home game.
Even the Florida Gators after its recent triumph in March Madness over the Houston Cougars said it will pay a visit to the White House. Florida.
Instead, in lieu of a visit to the unhealed creatures at the White House, the Liberty opted to have a private meeting with the Obamas in Washington instead. Madeline Kenney reported on it for the New York Post.
Once again – women lead while men follow. What a metaphor for society.
And it is so appropriate that a team named after this country’s most majestic of landmarks – a landmark that is to be a welcoming symbol for immigrants – is displaying what every championship team in major American sports ought to be doing for the next four years.
Some teams and leagues talk a good game about standing up for social justice. The Liberty has always placed an emphasis on community – even during the James Dolan days. The Liberty are every bit as adept at reading the room as they are in reading opposing team defenses.
New York, as of this writing is an undefeated 8-0 – and that win total will certainly increase as this season progresses. In a perfect world, the Liberty would have had a chance to be honored at the White House prior to President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris departing from office (ala how the Chicago Cubs visited Obama after its 2016 World Series triumph over the Cleveland Guardians).
But this is the next best thing – and is a more meaningful one than the octet of victories the Liberty have currently scored on the court.
